Odd Corners of New York…since 1902
A couple of people have blogged here questioning the “authenticity” of Little Britain. This article from The New York Times, published November 23rd, 1902, describes the area we are all talking about as the ‘British Quarter’.
Also the same people have questioned the legitimacy of a couple of businesses leading the campaign, when in fact we are not doing anything different from other, already recognised, neighborhoods.
“Initiated by a bookstore and a handful of restaurants, Koreatown sprang into being. With their success, more and more Korean-owned businesses took root in the neighborhood…” [source: Wikipedia]
As a resident of Greenwich Avenue I really have to intervene. Most of us thought this was just a fun PR campaign for Tea & Sympathy and as an anglophile I went along with the ride, however its becoming apparent that you guys are actually serious…
Couple of points I want to make:
- When I bought my apartment in NYC years ago it was a particularly proud day, my own piece of real estate in the best city in the World. What was particularly pleasing was I had bought a home in one of the best neighborhood addresses in the World: The West Village. The West Village is a brand name in itself, recognized around the world and a place that people aspire to visit, never mind live in. I have no interest in changing my address or reduce the financial or emotional value of my address to Little Anyone. It’s the best address in the World and I don’t want anybody changing it. Period.
- The West Village is already a close community - and has been for decades, the people who live there come from all over: locally, nationally and internationally. I have met as many French, Ugandans, Argentineans than I have British, save for times when I am enjoying the best Shepherds Pie on the planet in Tea & Sympathy.
- No-one has asked me or any of the other residents in my apartment block what we think of the idea. I’m pretty sure the people who live in the area dont want to change the name of their home - not for any negative resons, just because your idea doesnt make any sense to anyone who isnt in the small British minority.
- Local campaigms should be led by the grassroots ie the residents and not by commercial interests in my humble opinion.
- My sense is that most of the other communities, Little Italy, Chinatown for example, sprang from a large immigrant working population coming together - in a foreign land where their language wasn’t spoken - and it was a case of necessity. I think most British residents are not your typical huddled masses from the early 1900s…
- America is what it is today because of the British (and the French, Dutch, German, Irish etc). And the impact that the British have had on this nation is all pervasive and all good. You don’t need to rebrand a neighborhood for people to celebrate your culture or your influence on popular American culture. All the supporters’ names on this site attest to this.
B
Comment by Brandon Kietrich — April 11, 2007 @ 11:09 am
B,
Greenwich Village will always be just that, we certainly are not suggesting changing the name! We are merely asking for one small block to be recognised as Little Britain for all the reasons we have proposed at this campaign web site. We’re not sure where you live but we certainly have talked to our fellow residents on the block about the idea and they support it.
Best
CFLB
Comment by CFLB — April 11, 2007 @ 11:36 am
Dear B,
The West Village remains a close community that no one is asking to change or re-name.
Adding on a couple of street sign posts, yes, but not re-name.
I am a longtime (American) resident on Perry Street, and have lent my free time (all right, I accepted some Tango and Smarties. I’m easy.) and support throughout the campaign, during the filming where I ran into plenty of people I knew…
-time well spent with neighborhood residents.
I like your comment: “I think most British residents are not your typical huddled masses from the early 1900s…” Absolutely. I’m having a blast! But, truly, there is no “branding” going on. What we’ll (hopefully) see is one or two “Little Britain” street-corner signs ADDED to existing one’s like 12th Street, but: NOT replacing them.
What I like about the added street signs is that they would be great conversation pieces, added to all the other treasured trivia and lore of the West Village.
DN
Comment by d neiden — April 12, 2007 @ 9:44 am
As a Village resident and someone with a sense of humor I feel I really *must* intervene.
This idea is obviously tongue-in-cheek, slightly taking the piss out of being British, while just suggesting changing a few street signs.
In the grand scheme of its no big deal, it’s more entertaining than most of the crap I have to endure every time I turn the TV on and you’re welcome to my vote. Good luck!!
Comment by Rich — April 12, 2007 @ 12:26 pm
B
If it’s ok for Koreatown to be initiated by a bookshop and a couple of restaurants, and become offcially recognised, why isn’t it ok for Little Britain?
Comment by CFLB — April 13, 2007 @ 7:18 am
I totally agree - what’s wrong with an added street sign? Maybe it’ll encourage other Brit businesses into the area - which would be a fine development. How about a traditional pub a few doors down from the chip shop, perhaps? As an expat myself, I think it would be a nice treat to round off a great helping of fish and chips with a “not too chilled” British beer.
Keep up the good work - us Brits at least deserve the street sign…
Comment by Clare — June 26, 2007 @ 7:33 pm
“How about a traditional pub a few doors down from the chip shop, perhaps? As an expat myself, I think it would be a nice treat to round off a great helping of fish and chips with a “not too chilled” British beer.”
Where were you born and bought up? British beer? What’s that then? Aint no such thing me old son. Do you mean ENGLISH real ale? Try this link. It really will tell you all you need to know. You stated that you’re an ex-pat. I am not sure I believe that.
As for apologising for wanting a little britain, don’t! That’s half our problem, we’re too polite and nice. Instead of running a web campaign why don’t you go to the powers that be and DEMAND that they recognise the history of the place. Add the dreaded word discrimination and bobs your friggin uncle innit?
Also, what’s all this stuff about Greenwich village? Why the hell do you think it’s called GREENWICH? It’s pretty obvious to me. Ever heard of Greenwich meantime you plums?
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